Ecoturismo da Bahia: um estudo de caso na Brasiléia

Abstract

The current study is the result of a qualitative case study research within a descriptive-exploratory viewpoint. It reviews the literature under the perspective of development theory focusing on PRODETUR and other intervention programs in the Region of Brasiléia that comprises Salvador and its surroundings, Baía de Todos os Santos and Costa dos Coqueiros. It attempts to interpret the relationships amongst the individual, nature and quality of life in the way this trinomial evolves in that space. So as to, one describes facts, collects data, and scrutinizes the effects of actions on the ecotourism productions or attractions pointing out the most significant impacts. Focusing the possible partnership towards sustainable development, this study ponders the structure of the current system of resident-enterprise of the tourist cluster developed in that geographic space turning out to be the Paradox of Brasiléia for the Science of Tourism Administration. By comparing theory and practice lived by the people involved in the intervention process it concludes that the norms for ecodevelopment have not been followed satisfactorily reveling consequences. Among these consequences, it is possible to mention the affront against the rules for ecodevelopment, the dissatisfaction of the residents in villages such as Porto Sauípe, and the identification of irrational use of ecotourist attractions or products, all of them with different forms of negative impacts whose effects invalidate the action plan in that Region.